Carrier Relations Manager

Job Summary:

As a Carrier Relations Manager, you will lead the development and execution of carrier relationship strategies that support Midco's growth objectives, customer commitments, and internal network operations. In partnership with cross-functional teams and carrier partners, you will oversee carrier procurement, contract negotiations, cost optimization, performance management, and service delivery to ensure off-net and internet solutions are delivered efficiently, meet technical requirements, and align with Midco's operational and financial objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain relationships with partner carriers providing services to support Midco customer contracts and the internal Midco network.
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with partner carriers for off‑net circuits, internet, long‑haul, and dark fiber to support sales proposals and internal network needs.
• Continually monitor the base of contracted services to identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
• Maintain contracting activities with partner carriers, including new contracts, timely renewals, and maintaining centralized, accessible contract records.
• Maintain vendor escalation and contact records to support provisioning, maintenance, billing, and issue resolution.
• Develop preferred carrier partnerships aligned with company strategy, while maintaining existing relationships through regular communication and industry engagement.
• Evaluate partner carrier performance using defined criteria related to service quality, performance, and pricing.
• Maintain the accuracy of Midco’s off‑net circuit ID database.
• Ensure ENNIs are established for all off‑net circuits and that documentation is accurate and maintained within the ENNI database.
• Order and appropriately document cross connects from carrier hotels to support customer contracts and the internal Midco network.
• Manage service disconnection requests with partner carriers.
• Communicate disconnect activity to appropriate internal and external stakeholders, update databases, and coordinate logistics with cross‑functional teams.
• Collaborate with internal network teams to plan and support existing and future capacity needs.
• Review, and resolve billing issues related to carrier invoices, ensuring alignment with contract terms.
• Assist in research and resolution efforts for carrier‑related issues.
• Work with Partner Carriers to request service level credits as need based on missed service level commitments.
• Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same.
• Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Telecommunications, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent work experience.
• 5 years of demonstrated experience in telecommunications, carrier relations, vendor management, network procurement, or a related field.
• Experience leading carrier, vendor, or strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, service agreements, and vendor service level expectations.
• Advanced knowledge of telecommunications network services and components, including off-net circuits, internet services, transport solutions, fiber networks, EVCs, DIAs, cross connects, ENNIs, and related technologies.
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of carrier services, including procurement, provisioning, maintenance, billing, renewals, and disconnects.
• Experience developing and implementing processes, procedures, or programs that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, or cost management.
• Strong communication (written, verbal, and listening), organizational, business, and computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working for or directly supporting regional or national telecommunications carriers.
• Experience managing carrier performance programs, vendor scorecards, or service-level agreement initiatives.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment and/or remote work setting, depending on business needs.
• Travel may be required for vendor meetings, industry conferences, and business events.
• May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and outside normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings, and weekends, as business demands.

Physical Demands:

• May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• May be required to remain in a seated position for extended periods.
• May occasionally lift or move items such as materials, equipment, or supplies.
• Heavy keyboard/mouse usage required with repetitive movements.

Mental Demands:

• Maintain attention to detail while reviewing information, making decisions, and completing work assignments.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills when evaluating situations and determining appropriate actions.
• Adapt to changing business needs, priorities, and operational requirements.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
• Apply discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Remain focused and professional when responding to challenges, escalations, and competing demands.
• Consistently apply policies, procedures, and guidelines while exercising discretion and judgment in negotiations, escalations, and problem resolution.